Madison — It is no secret Wisconsin defensive coordinator Dave Doeren didn't like the third-down numbers compiled by his unit.

UW entered its Big Ten opener at Michigan State holding its opponents to a conversion rate of 27% on third down.

Michigan State laughed at those numbers and converted nine of 18 chances (50%) against the Badgers, including six of its last nine.

"You're going to have less success when you have that scenario," Doeren said.

What was more unsettling for Doeren was the inconsistent work on first and/or second down.

Consider:

• Michigan State faced third-and-7 or longer just eight times. That included only three plays of third-and-10 or longer and five plays of third-and-7 to 9 yards.

• Michigan State faced third-and-6 or less 10 times. That included three plays of third-and-2 or less.

• The Spartans were 3 for 3 on plays of third and 2 or less; 3 for 7 on plays of third and 3 to 6 yards; 2 for 5 on plays of third and 7 to 9 yards; and 1 for 3 on third and 10 or longer.

"The problem stemmed from first and second down," Doeren said. "We didn't execute every time we were out there, and that's the bottom line. I don't care what down it is. We've got to be on."

Doeren discounted the absence of linebacker Chris Borland (shoulder), who last season was an integral part of UW's 3-3-5 package.

The Spartans beat the 3-3-5 scheme several times Saturday. That included pass plays of 34 and 12 yards to wide receiver Mark Dell and a 35-yard screen pass to Larry Caper.

"I don't think I can calculate to be honest with you," Doeren said of Borland's absence in the 3-3-5. "There were a lot of things that happened that made third downs different than normal."

Michigan State's success on third down, coupled with the fact UW's offense converted just 3 of 11 chances (27.3%) resulted in the Spartans enjoying an edge in time of possession of 12 minutes 48 seconds.

The last time an opponent held the ball for at least 10 minutes longer than UW occurred in the 2008 regular-season finale, when Cal Poly held the ball for 39:59 to just 20:01 for UW.

As a result, Michigan State ran 74 plays to 56 for UW and Doeren's defense appeared to wither late, particularly on the Spartans' final touchdown drive. That drive covered 15 plays and 84 yards and lasted 7:57.

Defensive end J.J. Watt led the way in tackles for loss (2 1/2 ) and total tackles (10). But of the defensive linemen, only tackle Patrick Butrym and end David Gilbert finished a play in the backfield. Each player had one-half sack.

"J.J. was very productive," UW coach Bret Bielema said. "Patrick Butrym did some really good things. (But) as we were watching the film, there were some things that showed up in the fourth quarter that hadn't in the first three."

That led to Bielema, Doeren and line coach Charlie Partridge re-evaluating this week how often they need to rotate players on the line.

Minnesota (1-4, 0-1 Big Ten) comes to Madison this week sixth in the league in third-down conversions at 43.7%. The Badgers are 22-point favorites, but one way to risk defeat is to allow the Minnesota offense to control the ball.

"You have to go back to first and 10," Doeren said. "You want to have more success there.